Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Annual budget reviews lead to improved operations

An annual review of Council budgets has seen a steady improvement in both standard and presentation. Conducted by the Western Australian Department of Local Government, the 1997/98 review resulted in 52 percent of the 128 Councils assessed as being above the benchmark.

This compares to 34 percent last year and 28 percent in the first year the reviews were introduced. The benchmark for the minimum standard is Councils receiving a rating of at least 75 percent.

Results show improvements have been recorded in every category, with a significant drop in the number of budgets where improvement is required. Key features which need to be included in budget operating statements, such as capital contributions and corporate data, have all risen steadily since the reviews were introduced.

Certificates of Excellence were awarded to the City of Canning and the Shires of Donnybrook-Balingup, Leonora, Koorda and Shark Bay. They each achieved a rating of over 88 percent.

For Leonora and Koorda, it was the first time they had received an excellence award indicating a determined effort to improve their compliance and presentation. CEO at the Shire of Koorda, Graeme McDonald, said that Council had improved dramatically last year and had set out this year to improve again.

"A higher standard has helped Council to be more aware of the necessity for clear, accurate information as well as improving our management of day to day operations," he said.

Certificates of Merit were awarded to a further 16 Councils for achieving a review rating of between 84 and 88 percent.

For further information contact Darrell Forrest, telephone (08) 9222 0298.

The following articles are also included in this edition or go BACK to the main page: